19/11/2025
ZUPED CONDEMNS KABWE VI0LENCE
....urges President Hichilema to act swiftly
Lusaka... Wednesday November 19, 2025 (SMART EAGLES)
The Zambians for Unity, Peace and Development (ZUPED) has strongly condemned the alleged be@ting and abdu>ction of Patriotic Front (PF) Acting President Given Lubinda in Kabwe, calling on President Hakainde Hichilema to take decisive action against rising political vi0lence.
ZUPED President Ronnie Jere said the reported attack allegedly carried out by suspected United Party for National Development (UPND) cadres was unacceptable and a threat to the country's peace and democracy.
"We are deeply concerned by the alleged be@ting and abdu>ction of Given Lubinda. This level of lawlessness must not be tolerated in a democratic society," Mr Jere said.
"It is disturbing that while some UPND leaders distanced the party from the perpetrators, a UPND Kabwe District Youth Chairperson openly claimed that the individuals involved were his youths."
Mr Jere criticised the justification reportedly given by some UPND leaders that Mr Lubinda did not have a police permit to hold a meeting.
"That reasoning is careless and dangerous," he said.
"It is the duty of the Zambia Police Service to enforce the law, not political cadres. If we allow party functionaries to take over policing roles, then we are inviting anarchy."
He urged President Hichilema to intensify efforts to curb political vi0lence, warning that failure to act decisively could embolden perpetrators across the political spectrum.
"The rising incidents of violence must be addressed urgently by the Head of State. We cannot build a peaceful and united Zambia when political actors feel free to attack one another," Mr Jere said.
He also condemned the recent stoning of President Hichilema in Chingola, stating that vi0lence against any political figure regardless of affiliation should be rejected by all well-meaning citizens.
"Vi0lence is wrong no matter who is targeted. The stoning of President Hichilema in Chingola is equally unacceptable and must be condemned. Zambia must remain a country where disagreements are resolved through dialogue, not vi0lence," he said.
Mr Jere further denounced the attack on the PF Secretariat in Lusaka, where two people were reportedly injured and admitted to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH).
"Such barb@ric acts have no place in our politics. We call for swift investigations and for perpetrators regardless of their political party to be held accountable," he said.
ZUPED has urged all political leaders to counsel their supporters, promote restraint, and recommit to peaceful political engagement as the country prepares for future electoral activities.
